NIAGARA, Wis. — The month of March is just about over. I don’t know how the rest of you feel about that, but it makes me happy. I suspect that most of you have mixed feelings about this month so I decided to take a closer look at it in today’s column.

On the one hand, I find March to be most aggravating, as it feels like Mother Nature has decided to have some fun with us humans. She gives us sunshine and warmth one day, which promises spring, and then zaps us back into winter the following day with the return of snow and icy cold wind. I picture her laughing at us silly humans as we once again fall for her cruel joke.

After living “up north” for nearly 50 years, I have learned not to trust March for we have experienced far too many late season blizzards. The first year we lived in Niagara, my husband’s parents had planned to drive up in March to bring us a “new used” screen door. My father-in-law was going to help my husband install it. We didn’t think much of it when snow flurries began, but they soon turned into a blizzard that gave us 10 inches of new snow. Our plans were postponed, and I was so crabby, I went to bed.

This scenario has repeated itself time and time again. Just last week — as you all know — Mother Nature tricked us again. My husband measured close to 3 feet of snow on our deck. He stayed inside until the storm had finally ended and then spent four hours snow-blowing the sidewalks and parking spaces in front of our house. When our son moved from St. Paul to the Phoenix area, he gave us his snow blower, which has been a very welcome addition to our home. My Illinois brother always calls to compare snow levels. He is generally greening up as we continue to get more snow. By the time April arrives, he is mowing his lawn while we are still waiting for the last of the snow to melt. He enjoys that conversation every year way too much.

Despite March’s penchant for hanging onto winter, it does contain several redeeming qualities. My husband really enjoys yardwork: mowing and trimming, planting the season’s new flowers, and setting traps for the chipmunks. But none of these activities can be done when there is still a foot of snow in the yard, and the ground is still frozen.

So, this year we started a new tradition — spring cleaning together. We went through the downstairs one room at a time. He washed all the walls. I dusted furniture, ran decorative kitchen items through the dishwasher, and washed curtains. As he removed pictures from the walls, I cleaned them all. We completed one room each day so in seven days we were finished. I can do the four rooms upstairs myself as they simply do not get as dirty since our sons no longer live at home. The house just sparkles now, and the best part is that we completed this task before the weather turned nice outside.

Another redeeming quality of this month is that March Madness is broadcast on television. My husband and I enjoy watching the various college teams compete as they work their way through the brackets. We pick our favorites — which always includes Tommy Izzo’s Michigan State team as well as the Wisconsin Badgers. It is also fun to recognize some of the players as they get accepted by the pro teams.

We “spring ahead” in March by turning our clocks ahead by one hour. I like the darker mornings so it is easier to sleep a little longer. And I definitely appreciate the extra hour of daylight at the end of the day. Soon we will be able to sit out on our deck without losing daylight until 9:30 a.m.

Longer days bring warmer temperatures that melt any late season snow that much faster. Quite often, March snow does not even need to be shoveled because it melts so quickly.

The birds begin to return home in March. I enjoy Niagara’s boat landing on the Menominee River, and this month is when the swans return. I have been seeing them daily — as many as six at a time parading down the river in pairs. They are so gracefully regal. They will stay for awhile and then fly off to continue their journey to their summer home. It won’t be long, and our yard will also be filled with migrating indigo buntings — those cute little blue birds pay us a visit each year.

March also contains a few special days and holidays; with which you are very familiar. March 15 brings us the Ides of March. Roughly the midpoint of the month, it was marked by several major religious observances. In 44 BC, it became notorious as the day Julius Caesar was assassinated. As such, the Ides of March marked a turning point in Roman history. March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick was born into a wealthy family; his father was a Christian deacon and his grandfather a priest. Patrick, himself, went on to become a priest. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland. He spent six years there working as a shepherd, and during this time he found God. Patrick went on to become a priest and returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. He spent many years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland and converted thousands; he became Ireland’s foremost saint. Finally, March 20 marks the first official day of spring.

The month of March also contains a couple of notable special observances. It is Irish-American Heritage Month, which honors the immense contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants to the United States. Proclaimed by the President and Congress in 1991, the month coincides with St. Patrick’s Day, highlighting Irish influence on American culture, history and society. Irish Americans played a key role in the founding of our country, with several Irish-heritage individuals signing the Declaration of Independence. They also played a major role in building American infrastructure, including railroads and canals.

March is also Women’s History Month. It is a time dedicated to honoring the contributions of women to American history, society, politics, education and culture. The celebration grew from a local week-long event to a national month-long observance recognized by Congress in 1987. This special month recognizes that women’s contributions have often been overlooked and celebrates their vital role in the progress of our nation.

Now you know “the rest of the story.” While March can be supremely frustrating with its weather that gives us a taste of spring and then blasts us back to winter, it is also a month filled with good things as well. From longer days and the return of birds to the many national observances, March is a month to be welcomed and celebrated. And remember … April showers and May flowers are not too far behind.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: Coloring in the dining room, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; early bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; coffee chat, 10:30 a.m.; horse race, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident Council meeting, 11 a.m.; learning macrame, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Peanut butter cookies, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; reminisce, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: DT cooking, 9:30 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; trivia teasers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; hangman, 2 p.m.; crime movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Sunshine Club/coffee social, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts with Bea, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Easter egg coloring, 1:30 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/hangman, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday check-in and leisure cart, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; morning craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; special treat, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; National Crayon Day — let’s color, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30; National Sourdough Bread Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Resident council meeting, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coloring Easter eggs, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; current events and news, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee and movie, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; popcorn and movie, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; shopping outing — Dollar General, 1 p.m.; derby day, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; morning mingle with muffins and coffee, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; silly crafters — egg coloring, 10 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Lenten reflections, 3 p.m.

Friday: Easter activity — placemats, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.; Good Friday Stations of the Cross and communion, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Board games, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a. m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; junk drawer detectives, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bologna, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hangman, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; evolution of the Easter Bunny, 11 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; coloring Easter eggs, 10 a.m.; bunny funnies, 11:15 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; drama club, daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; noodle ball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Stuffed peppers, roasted potatoes, cornbread.

Wednesday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, bread.

Thursday: Chicken and Swiss wrap, loaded tots, broccoli salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn.

Thursday: Cranberry maple chicken, seasoned rice pilaf, carrots, pudding cup.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ravioli with sauce.

Tuesday: Pizza.

Wednesday: No information provided.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, oven-roasted potatoes, applesauce.

Tuesday: Nine-layer casserole, baked potato, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Blackened fish, battered noodles, four-way vegetable.

Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, dinner roll, fruit.

Friday: Brats, baked macaroni and cheese, corn, pudding parfait.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery is offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Spanish rice, corn, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Mock chicken legs, macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger on a bun, lettuce and tomato, calico bean salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Parmesan chicken breast, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, fruit.

Wednesday: Easter meal — Baked ham, accompany potatoes, mixed vegetables, blueberry pie and ice cream.

Thursday: Chicken gnocchi soup, toasted cheese sandwich, tomato slices, fruit.

Friday: Centers closed for Good Friday.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals on Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Barbecued pork chop, sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, peas and onions, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chicken broccoli casserole, root vegetable blend, stewed apples, side salad with cheese and tomato, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Easter meal — ham with pineapple, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, pineapple-orange mix, whole wheat dinner roll, carrot cake.

Thursday: Tune noodle casserole, winter vegetable blend, diced beets, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken sandwich and creamy vegetable soup.

Tuesday: Shepard’s pie and roll.

Wednesday and Thursday: No information available.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, buttered beets, side salad, pineapple.

Wednesday: Easter dinner – ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots, wheat dinner roll, cherry dessert.

Thursday: Barbecued pulled pork, wheat bun, German potato salad, creamy cucumbers, warm spiced peaches.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey, Oriental vegetables, rice.

Tuesday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries, vegetable.

Wednesday: Corned beef, boiled potatoes and cabbage.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, hash brown patty, applesauce, donut holes.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pork chops, cheesy potatoes.

Wednesday: Cheesy baked cod, red potatoes, cole slaw.

Thursday: Ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn casserole.